An End to an Era of Dreams

The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA held an Artist’s Reception on Sunday December 4th for their exhibition titled, “Phantasms, Faces, Perspectives, and Places” featuring a wide variety of work created by Shane Izykowski which included not only the Photographic endeavors he is best known for but paintings, sketches, Three Dimensional pieces, and two short films titled, “Regretfully So” and “Thine Own Hands.” Both films won the Severed Sinema Short Film Audience Award for 2010 and 2011.

The variety of the work ranged from Wedding Pictures to those depicting scenes of grotesque gore touched the walls and poured upon the senses of the many who came to attend the reception. It may be debatable to which images are more horrific, but the creative skill in which the artist presents his subjects can find very few (if any) to dispute the wonderful effects his work inspires. They allow each viewer to be amused, bemused, and transfused by what they experience as they explore the extensive talents possessed by Shane. The Exhibition continues until December 31st. You’ll find more photographs taken during the reception in The Dreamland Creations 2011 Gallery Part 2 at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150403440525421.413359.636000420&type=1&l=b30ae78bea.

As mentioned earlier, the reception included the screening of two short films Shane created. The first was “Regretfully So” which was about two thieves breaking into a home of an elderly lady only to find  an unexpected outcome to their endeavor. The second film “Thine Own Hands” took place in a psychologist  office whose Dr. was treating a patient convicted of child molestation. Both films were very well done and contained what has been called the M. Night Shyamalan twist. But, neither of these film contained the sense of redundancy which has become associated with the M. Night Shyamalan films. Instead, the twists they contain are (although surprising) consistent to the flow of the films’ narratives and avoids a negative WTF response from the audience.

Although the reception was an enjoyable one in which those who attended were touched by the art created by Shane and the conversations it inspired, there was a sense of sadness in the air. It had been announced prior to the reception that this exhibition will be the last one held at Dreamland Creations. As Shane put it as he offered a toast to the establishment, the shows presented over the last three years not only showcased the work of those who aren’t shown in the more established galleries in the area, but they have encouraged others to explore their talents by creating work of their own. It is hoped many of these artists will find a place to share their visions and perspectives, but, for now, it is time to bid Dreamland Creations a fond adieu filled with the appreciations it well deserves. Thank you Myke and Sherley.

Shane Izykowski was born in Taegu, South Korea and was adopted at the age of two. He grew up with a strong background in art and continued to study all different aspects and mediums. Shane is currently working as a freelance photographer with his ranging from weddings and fashion events to that of a freelance publication photographer at East Stroudsburg University. He is also working at Stroudsburg Foto Shop, Inc., as an Adobe Photoshop specialist and salesman. Shane is also a member of the Pocono Photo Club and The Pocono Arts Council and frequently exhibits his fine art photography in many different venues in northeastern PA. You’ll find more information about Shane along with images of his work and a listing of his photographic serves at www.theartisticalternative.com.

Although the exhibitions have come to an end, The Dreamland Creations in Stroudsburg, PA continues to serves as a studio where individuals can adorn their forms with a variety of body art such as tattoos and piercings.  Please Explore The Dreamland Creations Website at www.myspace.com/dreamlandcreations or call 570-421-6313 for more information of all they have to offer.